While divorce is often associated with long court battles and high-value financial settlements, new figures suggest separating couples in the North East typically face less complicated financial negotiations than anywhere else in England and Wales.
North East has England’s least financially complex divorces
According to analysis by Stowe Family Law, the North East records the lowest score on its Financially Complex Divorce Index, with a score of just 11.79 compared with the national average of 34.37.
The lower ranking reflects factors such as lower average property values and fewer complex business assets requiring division during divorce proceedings.
Despite this, divorce coach Coach with Monika says the emotional impact of separation is rarely any easier.
“The financial side of divorce is only one part of the process,” said Monika.
“People often assume that if there aren’t multiple properties or big assets involved, the divorce itself will be simple. In reality, the emotional side can be just as tough regardless of how much money is involved.
“You’re often making some of the biggest decisions of your life while dealing with grief, uncertainty and a huge amount of change. That’s why having emotional support alongside legal advice can make such a difference.”
The latest Office for National Statistics figures show there were 102,678 divorces in England and Wales during 2023, equivalent to divorce rates of 8.6 per 1,000 married men and 8.5 per 1,000 married women.
No-fault divorce has transformed the legal process
The data also highlights how divorce has changed since the introduction of no-fault divorce legislation in April 2022.
Nearly three-quarters (74.2%) of divorces granted in 2023 were processed under the new system, which removed the requirement for one spouse to blame the other for the breakdown of the marriage.
The reforms have significantly reduced contested divorce applications, allowing many couples to separate with less conflict. However, Monika says that while the legal process has become simpler, the personal experience often hasn’t.
“Removing blame from the legal process has been a really positive step, but it doesn’t automatically remove the emotional challenges people face,” she explained.
“Many people still struggle with feelings of failure, anxiety about the future or concerns about how separation will affect their children. Others feel overwhelmed by practical decisions such as finances, housing or co-parenting.
“Those emotions can make it much harder to think clearly, even when the legal process itself is relatively simple.”
Most couples divorce after more than a decade together
National figures also show that the median length of a marriage ending in divorce is now 12.7 years, suggesting many couples are separating after spending more than a decade building their lives together.
According to Monika, this makes emotional preparation just as important as legal preparation.
“Divorce coaching isn’t about replacing a solicitor. Solicitors deal with the legal side of divorce incredibly well.
“Divorce coaches help clients manage everything happening alongside that. We work on reducing conflict, improving communication, preparing for important conversations and helping people make decisions from a calmer, more confident place rather than reacting emotionally.
“When people feel more in control emotionally, they’re often able to navigate the legal process more effectively as well.”
For those considering separation, Monika encourages people to seek support early rather than waiting until they feel overwhelmed.
“Whether that’s speaking to a solicitor, a therapist or a divorce coach, asking for help isn’t a sign that you’re failing. Divorce is one of life’s biggest transitions, and no one should feel they have to navigate it entirely on their own.
“With the right support, it is possible to come through the process feeling stronger, more confident and ready for the next chapter of your life.”